Editing Persian column (section)

[[File:Perspolis.jpg|thumb|Top of an [[Achaemenid]] example from [[Persepolis]]]]

'''Persian columns''' or '''Persepolitan columns''' are the distinctive form of column developed in the [[Achaemenid architecture]] of ancient Persia, probably beginning shortly before 500 BCE. They are mainly known from [[Persepolis]], where the massive main columns have a base, [[Fluting (architecture)|fluted]] shaft, and a double-animal [[Capital (architecture)|capital]], most with bulls.<ref>Curtis, 52–54; Boardman, 13–14</ref>  Achaemenid palaces had enormous [[hypostyle]] halls called [[apadana]], which were supported inside by several rows of columns.  The Throne Hall or "Hall of a Hundred Columns" at Persepolis, measuring 70 × 70 metres was built by the [[Achaemenid]] king [[Artaxerxes I]].  The apadana hall is even larger.  These often included a throne for the king and were used for grand ceremonial assemblies; the largest at Persepolis and [[Susa]] could fit ten thousand people at a time.<ref>Schmitt</ref>

The Achaemenids had little experience of stone architecture, but were able to import artists and craftsmen from around their empire to develop a hybrid imperial style drawing on influences from Mesopotamia, Egypt and [[Lydia]] in [[Anatolia]], as well as [[Elam]] in Persia itself.  The style was probably developed in the [[Palace of Darius in Susa]], but the most numerous and complete survivals are at Persepolis, where several columns remain standing.<ref>Curtis, 52–54; Boardman, 13–14</ref>  Imperial building in the style stopped abruptly with the invasion by [[Alexander the Great]] in 330 BCE, when Persepolis was burned down.